Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London

What tours can I go on at Shakespeare’s Globe ?

Step back into 400 years of history on a guided tour of the Shakespeare Globe auditorium, which departs every 30 minutes, daily, throughout the year (subject to rehearsals and performances).

Expert guides bring to life tales from this working theatre and explain how it remains an experimental venue today during the 40-minute tour.

Tickets must be booked in advance – book tickets for the Shakespeare’s Globe tour and exhibition now.

Globe Theatre history

The Globe Theatre, an iconic Elizabethan playhouse in London, is famous for its 360-degree auditorium, where both audience and performers are always visible to each other. The current Globe is the third version of the original, which was first opened in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a company Shakespeare wrote for and partly owned.

In its first year, Shakespeare wrote Julius Caesar and As You Like It, and began work on the legendary Hamlet. Over the next decade, he produced masterpieces like Othello, King Lear and Macbeth, all still performed at the Globe today.

In 1613, a fire caused by a stage prop destroyed the thatched roof, but the Globe was rebuilt within the year with a tiled roof. However, in 1642, Parliament shut the theatre down and it was demolished two years later.

The Globe reopened in 1997, following actor and director Sam Wanamaker’s vision of rebuilding the theatre. Since then, it’s become a hub for Shakespeare's work, performances and workshops, alongside a wide range of other productions.

Did you know? The Globe is the only thatched-roof building in London, granted special permission due to a law banning thatched buildings since the Great Fire of 1666.

Why you should go:

• Affordable tickets: Standing (groundling) tickets start at just £5 – some of the cheapest in London.
• Immersive experience: Groundling spots put you right at the foot of the stage, where actors often interact with the crowd.
• Time travel: See Shakespeare’s works in their original setting – this is as close as it gets to how audiences experienced them 400 years ago.
• The famous jig: Instead of a curtain call, shows often end with a dance, a Globe-only tradition.

Shakespeare Globe seating plan

The Globe Theatre holds up to 1,351 people, including 700 standing. Groundling tickets are unreserved, so it’s best to arrive early to claim a good spot close to the stage.

Seated options span three galleries that go all around the stage: the Lower Gallery (closest to the action), the Middle Gallery and the Upper Gallery. All galleries offer a good view, though some seats at the ends of rows may have a restricted view due to the wooden pillars supporting the structure.

For the best experience, opt for seats in the central sections of the Lower or Middle Galleries as these give a clear view and are often where the actors direct their performances.

Is the Globe Theatre accessible?

Shakespeare’s Globe aims to be as inclusive as possible and offers an Access Scheme to support deaf, disabled and neurodivergent audiences. Signing up helps the team accommodate individual needs.

Assisted performances run throughout the season, including:

• Relaxed performances, with a visual story available online beforehand.
• Captioned shows for deaf and hard of hearing audiences.
• BSL-interpreted performances, usually with the interpreter on the left of the stage.
• Touch tours for blind or visually impaired visitors, offering the chance to explore sets and props before the show, paired with audio introductions and live audio description via headset.

The theatre is wheelchair accessible, with a lift located to the right of the Welcome Desk. Wheelchair users can enjoy performances from either an elevated platform in the Yard or designated spots in the Middle Gallery.

Visit London's top tip

If you’ve booked seats in one of the galleries, we recommend renting a seat cushion from the Welcome Desk – the wooden benches can get uncomfortable, especially during performances that last up to three hours.

What happens if it rains at the Globe Theatre?

Come rain, snow or shine, the show will go on. Around two-thirds of the audience, those seated in the galleries, are covered. But if you’re standing in the yard as a groundling, be ready to brave the elements as the theatre’s open roof offers no shelter. Coats and hats are recommended, but note that umbrellas aren’t allowed during the performance.

What time does the Globe box office Open?

The Shakespeare’s Globe box office is open Monday to Friday from 11am to 6pm, Saturdays from 10am to 6pm, and Sundays from 10am to 5pm.

To skip the queues, you can book your Globe Theatre tickets directly through Visit London – just click the Book Now button.

What food and drink is available at Shakespeare’s Globe?

Enjoy a pre-theatre or post-tour meal at Shakespeare’s Globe’s on-site restaurant, Swan at the Globe. With sweeping views of the Thames, it serves modern British dishes and even offers a special Romeo and Juliet-inspired afternoon tea – with a Wild West twist to celebrate this summer’s upcoming production.

For something more casual, head to the Swan Bar for a relaxed dining experience, with comforting favourites like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, a cheese board and, of course, sticky toffee pudding.

You can visit the Swan for refreshments, or pop over to The Anchor, a nearby riverside pub with a spacious outdoor area.

Does the Globe Theatre have a cloakroom?

The Shakespeare’s Globe has a bag size limit for anything brought inside, with the maximum allowed being 40cm x 35cm x 19cm. Larger bags must be stored off-site, as the Globe’s cloakroom is currently closed.

Where is Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre located?

The Shakespeare’s Globe is in Bankside, on the south bank of the river Thames. This reconstruction of the original Elizabethan theatre is just 230 metres (750ft) from its original Bankside location.

How to get there

• Train and Underground – London Blackfriars, London Bridge and London Cannon Street and Southwark stations are all within 15 minutes’ walk.
• Bus – Several buses (lines 40, 63, N63 and N89) stop at Blackfriars Station/South Entrance (stop C), which is an eight-minute walk from The Globe.
• Cycling – There are Santander Cycles docking points just behind the theatre, at New Globe Walk.
• Boat – Uber Boat by Thames Clippers stop at Bankside Pier, directly outside the Globe. 

Which hotels are near the Globe?

There’s no shortage of hotels around the Globe in London, with options to suit every budget and style. Here are some of our top picks:

• Hilton London Bankside (7 minutes’ walk)

Just a stone’s throw from Southbank, Hilton Bankside pairs style and comfort across 292 modern rooms. With a gym, indoor pool and the relaxed OXBO restaurant on site, it’s a great choice for your stay near the Globe.

• Native Bankside (2 minutes’ walk)

Just a few steps away from the Globe, Native Bankside blends warehouse charm with modern style. Think sleek apartments, comfy beds and your own kitchen, perfect for a relaxed stay in the Southbank vibrant area.

• Ibis Styles London Southwark (5 minutes’ walk)

Ibis Styles Southwark, a modern 3-star hotel sits just minutes from Shakespeare’s Globe. Expect bold design, comfy rooms and complimentary continental breakfast, ideal for a laidback stay in the heart of Southwark.